13 May 2025
Aviators from RAAF Base Tindal have assisted NT Parks and Wildlife rangers with clearing and preparing trails in Nitmiluk National Park, just in time for visitors eager to make the most of the dry season weather.
During the Northern Territory wet season, the walking trails are subject to inundation by floodwaters and vegetation overgrowth.
The Jatbula Trail Clearance is a collaboration between NT Parks and Wildlife and the aviators of RAAF Base Tindal, to assist with preparing, marking and clearing overgrown brush from the Jatbula Trail, southern walks, mountain bike trails, campsites, helipads and facilities within Nitmiluk National Park.
The activity, which began in 2022, allows NT Parks and Wildlife to clear twice as many sections as they would without the support of aviators from RAAF Base Tindal. This support expedites the opening of the park to the public, ahead of the Northern Territory's peak tourism season.
Senior ADF officer for RAAF Base Tindal Wing Commander Alex Smith said the walking trails in Nitmiluk National Park attracted a considerable number of tourists to the Katherine region each year and aviators from RAAF Base Tindal were proud to help play their part.
“RAAF Base Tindal has been an integral part of the Katherine community for decades,” Wing Commander Smith said.
“The Jatbula Trail is enormously important as it attracts between 1500-1800 walkers during the four months it is open to the public.
“What affects Katherine affects Tindal, so it’s important that our aviators engage regularly with and for the community and do our part to help the Katherine tourism industry.”
'RAAF Base Tindal has been an integral part of the Katherine community for decades.'
The Jatbula Trail is a 62km walking trail that begins at Nitmiluk Gorge and finishes at Edith Falls, NT. The trail follows the western edge of the Arnhem Land escarpment, and allows people to walk in the footsteps of generations of Jawoyn people who traditionally travelled through parts of this trail.
Activity coordinator Corporal Andrew Hermitage said the engagement from aviators from RAAF Base Tindal had been fantastic, with all volunteer positions filled within 24 hours.
“Unfortunately due to the limited number of rangers, and the need to conduct the activity under their supervision, there was limited positions for aviators to assist,” Corporal Hermitage said
“The activity is a brilliant opportunity for us to work with our local community, and see parts of Nitmiluk National Park that we may not necessarily encounter on our own.”
Wing Commander Smith said he was proud of the number of aviators who volunteered their time to take part in the Jatbula clearance activity.
“Our aviators still have a job to do out on base, but they understand the significance of this community initiative and their commitment to supporting the Katherine region, which they proudly call home,” he said.
